The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 has issued an industrial sand and gravel (ISAG) permit to Geo-Transport and Construction Inc. covering 7.7616 hectares in Balamban, Cebu.

“The extraction and removal of sand and gravel materials shall be confined within a segment of Buanoy river in Barangays Abucayan and Cantibas,” said MGB 7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo.

Data from the MGB 7 showed that 13 ISAG permits were granted totaling 130.4590 hectares in Cebu with 14 applications as of October 25.

Of the 13, six are in Toledo City; two each in Balamban and Asturias; and one each in Argao, Tuburan, and Catmon.

Alburo said the management of mining operations and whatever resulting social and environmental impacts, however is a shared responsibility as it involves the government, industry and other stakeholders.

The permit, with a period of five years from September 26, 2012 to September 25, 2017, may be revoked or cancelled at any time by the MGB Regional Director when in his opinion public interest so requires, or upon failure of the permit holder to comply with the provisions of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 or Republic Act 7942.

Alburo, likewise, emphasized that environmental, social, health, and safety requirements should be thoroughly and carefully followed by all permittees.

In a related development, nearly 30 ISAG and Mineral Processing Permit (MPP) holders are expected to attend a seminar/workshop in preparing an Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP), Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP), and Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).

Organized by the MGB 7 and the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers-Visayas Chapter (PSEM-VC) on October 27, 2012 at the Sarrosa International Hotel, the participants will prepare environmental protection and social development programs and projects.